Effect of a community of practice on knowledge sharing across boundaries: the mediating role of learning goals

Abstract

Purpose A community of practice (CoP) is believed to be a driver for knowledge creation but it can hinder knowledge sharing across boundaries. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study aims to investigate how a CoP within a single unit promotes knowledge sharing with other units by examining the mediating effect of the members’ learning goals (LG). Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling was conducted using a two-wave survey data on nurses from eight Japanese hospitals (n = 263). Findings The results indicated that LG fully and positively mediated the effect of a CoP on the knowledge-sharing intention of one unit toward other units and that LG fully and negatively mediated the effect of a CoP on knowledge withholding (KW) from other units. Practical implications Knowledge managers need to note that intellectual benefits from experienced CoP can play a key role in reducing the perceived risks associated with members’ knowledge sharing and in creating effective knowledge sharing with other units. Originality/value The main contribution is to identify the process by which CoP promotes knowledge sharing and prevents KW across boundaries mediated through LG. This study is the first to quantitatively show how LG cross inter-professional barriers caused by CoPs.

Consumer Online Knowledge-Sharing: Motivations and Outcome

“…Therefore, we examined Q&A reviews not from the perspective of eWOM, but also from social Q&A and knowledge sharing. Prior research on social Q&A are mostly in the context of online communities (Neshati et al, 2017), whereas knowledge-sharing are discussed in corporate organizations (e.g., Matsuo and Aihara, 2022;Nguyen et al, 2022). Our results extend the research perspectives of eWOM and contribute multidisciplinary to both eWOM and social Q&A. Firstly, based on self-determined theory and the results of our empirical research, we found that consumers' motivations for knowledge-sharing intention in Q&A reviews consist of altruistic motivations, hedonic motivations, perceived pressure, and external rewards.…”

“…But unfortunately, to our knowledge, there is no research examining online reviews from the perspectives of social Q&A or knowledge-sharing intentions. Generally, social Q&A is mostly discussed in the context of online communities (Neshati et al, 2017), whereas knowledge-sharing are discussed in corporate organizations (e.g., Matsuo and Aihara, 2022;Nguyen et al, 2022). Even studies on eWOM, little research have empirically investigated the motivations for consumers to write online reviews in e-commerce (Nam et al, 2020).…”

Psychological capabilities for salespeople’s sustainable work performance in financial services sector

“…After talking to their leaders and/or seniors and listening to the advice and sharing, the participants felt “energized” (Wilson), “enlightened” (Hannah), and were determined to persevere in the face of rejections and sales challenges, as evidenced in Wilson’s quote: “[They] transferred some positive mindset or sharing to make us get back the energy to go further, to do sales.” From the participant narratives, we can infer that leaders and/or seniors in the same organization can serve as a community of practice that helps educate and guide salespeople for sustainable work performance (Matsuo and Aihara 2022 ).…”

“…Employer’s strategies to influence salespeople’s psychological capability for better work performance include mindful relationship management (Zafari et al 2020 ) and effective event communication (Luu 2021 ). Support from supervisors such as creating an ethical climate (Wimbush and Shepard 1994 ), giving autonomy and feedback (Bakker and Demerouti 2007 ), sustainable leadership (Iqbal and Ahmad 2021 ) and knowledge sharing (Matsuo and Aihara 2022 ) can result in more ethical sales behaviors and higher work capabilities. In terms of salespeople’s psychological resources, wisdom (Oh and Oh 2021 ), grit (Dugan et al 2022 ), emotional intelligence (Bande et al 2015 ), psychological safety and psychological empowerment (Iqbal et al 2020a , b ), patience, consideration and responsibility (Ewe and Ho 2022 ), and perseverance (Belschak et al 2006 ) are found to improve salespeople’s work performance.…”

Community of Practice: A narrativized Account of a Full-time Multicultural Worker

“…Learning opportunities are defined by this practice's social structure, power dynamics, and prerequisites for legitimacy (Lave & Wenger, 1991). Especially in the age of globalization, CoP is thought to be a catalyst for knowledge development, and CoP can impede information sharing across boundaries (Matsuo & Aihara, 2022).…”